Some people are speculating that Fish Oil may lead to bruising more easily, along with Ginkgo, Ginger, and Garlic, and any combination of these supplements taken along with Aspirin.  The obvious reason is because Fish Oil has a blood thinning effect,  which is why it is often used to reduce clotting.  We generally take Fish Oils because they are a main source of fat and contain two very important Omega 3 Fatty Acids, DHA and EPA.  The benefit of these Omegas is that they are readily absorbed into your body and promote heart health, so the advantages of taking this supplement outnumber any small side effects such as increased likelihood of bruising.  If you are taking other medications or supplements and have concerns about this issue, just talk to your physician to make sure you are taking the right amount.  (more…)

When you think about summer you think about outdoor fun…beaches, lakes, boating, hiking and all the BBQ’s and picnics that fill up your schedule. Though it is a great time to leave some of those daily responsibilities behind, there are a couple tips to keep in mind to stay protected from the sun while enjoying your favorite activities. Sun Block, After Sun Soothers and homemade Sunburn Remedies can hep you enjoy your days without any unnecessary discomfort.

(more…)

These best-selling SAMe supplements do a lot more than boost your mood.

Some supplements seem to be a victim of their own success; they become so well-known for one thing, that any other good things about them  are overlooked. We’ve recently been talking about some of these multi-purpose supplements like glutamine, alpha lipoic acid and coconut oil. Another supplement we could add to this group is SAMe.  Most people think “depression” when they hear the word SAMe (which is pronounced “sammy”), and that makes sense since it’s one the very best and fastest-acting mood boosters.  But there’s a few other really great benefits to taking SAMe that make it something almost anyone can benefit from. By adding SAMe to your regimen, you’ll be enhancing and protecting your health in ways that basic supplements like multis and fish oil cannot.  You’ll feel SAMe working within the first few doses, especially where mood and joint comfort are concerned.  But you certainly don’t have to be depressed to use SAMe. It’s gone way down in price and way up in popularity since it was introduced in the 90’s, so let’s take another look at SAMe and see if it’s something you might want to use, too. (more…)

Some of the best supplements are the least-expensive. Seriously!

A frequent reason people cite for not using nutritional supplements is that they’re too expensive.  We think nutritional supplements are a good investment no matter what your budget. You can’t put a price on health, but you can bet insurance companies, hospitals, labs, pharmacies and doctors can put a price on your health problems.  If you value your financial security, then you’re crazy to take your health for granted. And even if you’re on a shoestring budget, there are some very affordable supplements that can make a huge contribution to protecting your health. How affordable? These five supplements - as of this date - cost less than five dollars for a one month supply. And reading today’s blog, of course, costs you nothing.

(more…)

A best-selling glutamine powder from NOW Foods.

Some supplements really do a lot for the time, money and trouble you go to take them. We’ve recently been discussing a few of them here such as alpha lipoic acid and coconut oil. Another good one is the amino acid L-glutamine. Strictly speaking, glutamine supplements are not usually clinically or nutritionally essential, but there are limits to how much the body can produce and how much can be obtained from food.  So since glutamine supports so many critical functions and structures in the body - muscle mass,  immune function, pH balance and many others - millions of people use daily glutamine supplements to support overall health by ensuring that there’s there’s plenty of glutamine  to go around at all times. (more…)

Fructose sweeteners continue to take it on the chin.

A high-profile debate is taking place over the adverse effect of fructose sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup.   On one side, the commercial sweetener industry employs fructose on a massive - and massively profitable  - scale, the best example being the HFCS that’s in just about every supermarket food.  The industry maintains that fructose is, essentially, no worse for you than other sugars, and they’ve enlisted the help of slick high-profile TV ads to advocate for the safety of high fructose corn syrup in a non-technical, feelgood sort of way (it’s ‘natural’, it’s ‘made from corn’, ‘real men’ don’t care, etc). On the other side are  researchers and health professionals.  These scientists  have been searching for a way to explain the explosion in obesity and obesity harbingers like insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.  This explosion more-or-less coincides with the introduction and rapid, widespread adoption of high fructose corn syrup. At this time in  2009, HFCS has already been the subject of many damaging studies, and while these researchers aren’t taking to the airwaves with their findings, the tide seems to be steadily turning against the industry as more consumers and health experts just put two-and-two together and finally steer clear of fructose sweeteners altogether. (more…)

Pre-workout Formulas: Much Better Than Energy Drinks as Performance Boosters

You’d never know it from their over-the-top marketing and packaging, but the popular nitric-oxide pre-workout formulas are highly effective performance enhancers nearly anyone can use to have much better workouts and much better results. (more…)

Lentils and beans are good sources of cholesterol-lowering plant sterols.

Among nutrients used for cholesterol support fiber, Co Q-10, niacin, and red yeast rice get most of the attention.  But plant sterols are not only effective, they’re extremely affordable, safe…and isn’t that what everyone starts out looking for in the first place? A recent study agrees, calling sterols “an important but underused dietary component in the treatment of elevated blood cholesterol”. (more…)

Once considered unhealthy, things are looking up for coconut oil.

One of the ways you can save on supplements is by getting the most out of each dollar you spend.  Pooling your orders with friends and family is one good way to do that. Another one is taking advantage of  inexpensive products that have lots of different uses or benefits. Alpha lipoic acid is an example of a  supplement like that, almost like 2 or 3 separate supplements rolled into one.  Another good one is organic coconut oil. Healthy, nutritious, cholesterol-free and super-versatile, you’ll want to keep a jar of organic coconut oil on hand after you find out all the good things about  it in today’s AllStarHealth.com blog. (more…)

This ancient herbal remedy benefits 21st Century problems like high blood pressure

Drugs used to treat high blood pressure, or hypertension, are notorious for their side-effects, and aren’t always effective on their own. And the non-drug approaches like dietary modification, exercise, and weight loss aren’t always sufficient either. So both doctors and patients commonly seek out safe and potentially-effective adjuncts to managing high blood pressure, to minimize the patient’s reliance on medications. Research suggests that olive leaf extract (OLE) is an herbal approach that deserves consideration by anyone seeking non-drug support for healthy blood pressure. (more…)